Helsinki-based Karhu (Finnish for "bear") has equipped skiers ranging from the Finnish army to World Champions such as Harri Kirvesniemi. They focus more now on footwear and apparel; the former still bearing the "M" striping that refers to "mestari", the Finnish word for champion. Fun fact: in the 50s Karhu used a three-stripes branding on its footwear, but sold it to a fledgling German sports equipment maker.
This pair of Kilpa/racing skis hails from the late 60s. The Kilpa line is a step below the superlight Erikoiskilpa (special racing) model; as such the former is a heavier, more stable ski. At a whopping 220cm in length, these were the longest standard production skis that Karhu made.
The tops have been beautifully re-stained the original dark walnut color and finished with a mid-gloss spar urethane that does not distract from the grain of the wood. The bindings are a standard Karhu 4 pin model that was very common in Finland until the mid-seventies. The bases of the skis have been reconditioned by the experts at Skifabrikk, using traditional techniques. A solid coating of pine tar has been burned in to protect the bases from the elements.
Size: 220cm Camber: medium (3-6cm at ski center) Weight (pair): 2875gm w/ bindings Width at center: 53mm Mfg date: late 60s Base: hickory
